Public storytelling guide

Your practical goal is to host a storytelling event that showcases the stories of people with IDD in your community. You can alter the plan, but we suggest five storytellers and that both the workshop and event are held in-person.

Here are some resources to help you get started:

Step 01

Identify who in your newsroom will work on this project

This event can be done by yourself or with a team. Here are some roles to think about as you plan. One person can take on more than one role. Note: not all of these roles will always apply.

Four people in bright colors greet each other; one reaches out to shake hands.by Ethan Smith

  • Project Manager

    This is the main organizer of the event. The person leading the charge and making the major decisions.

  • Partner / Storyteller Liaison

    The main contact for storytellers and programs to partner with. Facilitate workshops, brainstorm with storytellers, develop stories.

  • Day of Event Coordinator

    This person will organize the run-of-show and be the main contact for the venue. They will make sure everything is running smoothly the day of the event.

  • Host / Moderator

    Keep the event running smoothly in front of the audience. This role will make sure the program runs as planned. Will engage with audience and storytellers for panel discussion.

  • Social Media Manager

    Manage all promotional material and graphics for the event. Create the invite and plan social media posts after the event

  • Photographer / Videographer

    In charge of creating all visual content before, during and after the event. Content will depend on your newsroom, but we recommend the photographer for the workshops, videos of the stories if you choose, event set up, and event itself. The photographer can also schedule a time (or times) to take portraits of the storytellers.